Quebec corruption inquiry takes furtive steps forward

QUEBEC – Quebec’s corruption inquiry has taken a few steps forward today.

The inquiry, which was recently announced by Premier Jean Charest after intense public pressure, is being presided by Quebec judge France Charbonneau.

The government announced today that cabinet has officially granted sweeping powers to Charbonneau.

That move is no surprise: Charest recently promised, amid a public backlash, that he would grant her the power to subpoena witnesses and also offer them legal immunity for their testimony.

Today’s announcement makes it official.

The government has also announced that, on Charbonneau’s advice, it will be appointing two commissioners to assist the inquiry: McGill University constitutional scholar Roderick Macdonald, and the province’s current auditor-general Renaud Lachance.

The public inquiry comes after two years of scandals in Quebec involving illicit ties between organized crime, the construction industry, and political parties.

The original announcement that there would be an inquiry earned Charest no plaudits — only scorn. Even members of his own party grumbled that the terms of the inquiry offered criminals giant loopholes to avoid testifying.

Charest quickly relented, telling a Liberal party convention that he was open to amending the rules. The promise earned him a standing ovation. Today’s announcement makes it official: the two biggest loopholes will be closed.